The agreement provides a legal basis for coordination between Ukraine and the EU in scientific and technological cooperation. It will give an impetus for integration of the Ukrainian research and scientific centers within the European research community allowing them to use latest instruments and mechanisms to support their research and development.

An access to the latest European developments in science and technology will help Ukraine restore its positions as mainly a supplier rather than consumer of high-tech products.

An important element of the renewed Agreement is establishment of a Joint Committee on Science and Technology whose first meeting took place on 23 November 2011.

The Agreement between Ukraine and the EU on Cooperation in Science and Technology was signed on 4 July 2002 in Copenhagen. The agreement expired on 8 November 2009. The EU and Ukrainian sides had to complete the needed internal procedures in order to renew the agreement for further five years. The EU side completed this process in March 2011, the Ukrainian one in December 2011, and informed the Secretariat of the Council of the EU about the completion of the internal procedures on the 21 December 2011. Therefore, pursuant to Article 12, the Agreement renewing Agreement between Ukraine and the EU on Cooperation in Science and Technology entered into force on 21 December 2011.